I read yesterday that former Japan-resident Bujinkan buyu and long-time Kutaki participant Danny Fletcher has passed. My understanding was that this followed a long battle with cancer.

Danny was a knowledgeable, sincere practitioner who was very interested in the historical and cultural aspects of our arts. He recently co-authored the book The Art of Life and Death: Lessons in Budo From a Ninja Master with Sleiman Azizi (http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Life-Death-Lessons/dp/080484304X). I remember going with him to learn from his Meifu Shinkage Ryu Shurikenjutsu teacher, which was a lot of fun.